Reddit is testing a new audio and video experience, bringing popular Reddit stories to life in a format similar to TikTok videos. Starting Monday, August 17, 2026, the company will begin testing this feature across select English-language communities on its iOS and Android apps.
The new Reddit video audio test allows users to either read or play posts, offering a more immersive way to consume content. This initial experiment focuses on understanding how these formats can be useful to users and whether they can scale while staying authentic to Reddit’s community-driven nature.
How the Reddit Video Audio Test Works
The Reddit video audio test provides users with a choice: they can either read the original text post or play it as a narrated video. This flexibility is designed to cater to different situations and preferences.
For instance, Reddit suggests that users might prefer to listen to audio versions while exercising, walking, or running errands. Others might enjoy watching written conversations come to life through a combination of video and audio. The test will only apply to select posts, and both the original text and comment sections will remain fully accessible.
Inspired by Existing Content Trends
The inspiration for this feature comes from a trend already popular on other platforms. During Reddit’s second-quarter earnings call in July, CEO Steve Huffman noted that people are already consuming Reddit content in a narrated format on other social media sites.
He referred to how platforms like TikTok and Meta’s Reels often feature popular Reddit stories. These are typically narrated through a text-to-speech feature or read aloud by creators, sometimes with unrelated footage like gameplay or cooking videos in the background. Huffman described this as “an emerging content type elsewhere on the internet of, basically, podcasts where people read Reddit content.”
A New Way to Engage with Reddit Content
This isn’t Reddit’s first foray into video. The company previously rolled out native video hosting and experimented with a TikTok-style video feed. More recently, Reddit launched support for video in comments, which now accounts for over 10% of video posts on the platform.
The new Reddit video audio test represents a significant step forward in making the platform’s vast repository of stories and discussions more accessible and engaging. By offering both audio and video options, Reddit aims to meet users where they are and provide a more dynamic experience.
Key Features of the Test
Selective Availability: The test is limited to specific English-language posts and communities.
User Choice: Users can choose to read or play a post when the option is available.
Preservation of Original Content: The original text posts and comment threads remain unchanged and fully accessible.
Mobile-First: The test is accessible through Reddit’s iOS and Android apps.
This approach ensures that the core Reddit experience is preserved while offering new ways to interact with content. The company is treating this as a learning opportunity to gauge user response and determine which formats resonate most.
What This Means for Reddit Users
For Reddit users, this test could significantly change how they interact with the platform’s content. The ability to listen to posts in the background can make it easier to consume Reddit during activities like commuting or exercising.
Additionally, the video format could make content more accessible to users who prefer visual or auditory learning styles. However, the company emphasizes that this is an early experiment, and the formats are not meant to replace the original text posts.
The Future of Reddit Content
The Reddit video audio test signals the company’s commitment to innovation and adapting to how users consume content. By experimenting with these formats, Reddit is exploring new ways to make its platform more engaging and accessible.
As the test progresses, Reddit will likely gather valuable data on user preferences and engagement. This information could shape future developments and potentially lead to a wider rollout of video and audio features.
The Reddit video audio test is a significant development for the platform, bringing a new dimension to how users experience Reddit content. By blending audio and video into the traditional text-based format, Reddit is embracing a trend that has proven popular on other social networks.
While the test is still in its early stages, it represents a thoughtful approach to innovation. Reddit is carefully experimenting with these formats to ensure they add value to the user experience and maintain the authenticity that defines the platform. The company’s focus on user choice and preserving original content demonstrates a commitment to its community.
As this feature evolves, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the way stories are shared and consumed on Reddit. For now, users can look forward to a more versatile and engaging way to explore the discussions that make Reddit unique.
